Four people have been arrested in two separate burglaries, and according to Newton County Sheriff’s Office 1st Lt. Mark Mitchell, citizens of the county have been instrumental in apprehending those who authorities believe responsible.
Deputies were called to the Insurance Auto Auction around 6:45 a.m. on April 5 after an employee had reportedly noticed a suspicious person and vehicle on the property. The employee was able to give an accurate and detailed description of the person and vehicle.
When deputies arrived, they found that the vehicle had sped off and the suspicious male had run into the woods, but deputies were able to locate the vehicle and apprehend three people for questioning.
While investigating, the suspect who had fled into the woods was spotted by a member of law enforcement. A brief foot chase ensued, but the suspect eluded authorities. He is still being sought by the warrants division.
The three people found inside the vehicle were all arrested and transported to the Newton County Detention Center.Thomas Anthony Tate, 38, was charged with burglary, theft by taking, criminal trespass and obstruction. Bridget Daniel Venable, 28 and 35-year-old Rachel Margaret Boatwright were both charged with burglary, theft by taking and criminal trespass.
Another Round
The next day, just before 11 a.m., deputies were called to another burglary in process at a residence off Smith Store Road. According to the caller, he was inside his residence when someone made entry through a window.
Once again, the complainant was able to supply dispatch operators with an excellent description of the suspect, who allegedly fled the residence. When deputies arrived to look for the suspect, another alert citizen spotted the man, later identified as 24-year-old Quinmorris Antrell Tate, and contacted 911 to let them know he was reportedly running in the woods behind his subdivision.
Deputies canvassing the area located Tate who was allegedly talking who a homeowner off Mills Drive. When they attempted to approach him he reportedly ran into the residence but deputies were able to apprehend Tate prior to his escape. Further investigation has shown that Tate was also connected with another burglary in the area.
Tate was arrested and charged with burglary, criminal trespass and obstruction and transported to the Newton County Detention Center.
"This is what can be accomplished when members of the community and law enforcement work together," said Sheriff Ezell Brown. "I continue to urge citizens to call the sheriff’s office whenever the need arises because it takes cooperative effort between law enforcement and the citizens of Newton County to make our quality of life better for us all."
